At CONFLUENCE 24, speakers from a diverse array of fields, spanning science and technology to arts and culture, brought their expertise to inspire, ignite meaningful discussions, and foster connections among attendees. The event’s theme, “The Butterfly Effect: Small Acts, Big Impacts,” highlighted that seemingly minor actions can ripple out to create significant and often unforeseen consequences. As attendees eagerly filled the venue, their excitement was palpable, reflecting their anticipation to engage with their favorite speakers. From the captivating butterfly painting adorning the walls of the Ramanujan main entrance to the Auditorium’s decor echoing the event’s theme, every detail contributed to the immersive experience.
Our Director, Prof. Debabrata Das not only welcomed the speakers and the attendees, he expressed his joy Confluence’ 24 making its debut in a recorded video as he was away attending a conference outside the city.
Taking the stage as the first speaker was Mr. Deyvant Bhardwaj, the co-founder of InsideFPV. With boundless energy, he shared the journey of his startup, recounting how he and his team of three embarked on the ambitious task of building India’s first drones, pioneering their use for the general public. His presentation not only highlighted their achievements but also shed light on the promising future of drone technology in India. Eagerly addressing questions about the current landscape and the potential ahead, Mr. Bhardwaj left the audience with a sense of optimism and excitement for the evolving drone industry.
Next, Mr. Manek D’ Silva, an Illustrator/Designer/Podcaster, delivered an engaging talk on the influence of AI in the creative realm, advocating for a balanced approach between AI integration and human creativity. With impactful illustrations and a humorous delivery, he entertained the audience while emphasizing the importance of human touch in artistic expression.
After the tea break, Mr. Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Technology Committee MOSIP & Partner at Bharat Innovation Fund discussed India’s transition from cash-based transactions to the emergence of the UPI payment system, highlighting the need for a more efficient and cost-effective online transaction method.
Next up was Mr. Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes. He talked about how they are all about spreading the love for the great outdoors, not just sticking to the trails/paths. Indiahikes is not just about the adventure they are all about making trekking a real eye-opener, something that changes you from the inside out. Arjun went on to explain how trekking is not just a workout—it’s a game-changer for your mind, body and soul.
How can a handful of pivotal insights reshape entire industries? Dr. Manish Gupta, Director of Google Research India, delved into this question as he took the stage. Drawing from personal anecdotes, he highlighted the profound influence that minor decisions can have on our trajectory. Through compelling examples, he underscored the transformative power of key insights in computing and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Dr. Gupta shared a thought-provoking hypothesis on happiness, offering the audience valuable perspectives to ponder.
Ms. Susan Thomas, IRS, Career civil servant & Content creator stepped onto the stage to discuss the power of incremental improvements in achieving remarkable results. Using the British cycling team’s transformation under Dave Brailsford as a prime example, she highlighted how small gains can lead to significant successes. Susan also generously shared three personal habits with the audience, illustrating how seemingly minor changes can profoundly impact one’s life.
Wrapping up Confluence ’24, Dr. Kailash Nadh, CTO of Zerodha, took the stage to share his unique insights on the technological butterfly effect. Through captivating anecdotes, he illustrated how seemingly minor actions can have significant repercussions in the world of technology.
Confluence’ 24 didn’t just focus on talks; it also offered entertainment. Akshat Tyagi, a first-year iMtech student, stunned the audience with his captivating magic show, showcasing mind-boggling card tricks and mind-reading abilities. Moreover, iMTech and M.Tech students Trupti and Rutuja enchanted the crowd with their beautiful voices, adding to the overall delightful experience for everyone present.
